According to Jain tradition, Chandanbala is an important figure in the life of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. The "nimitt" (instrumental cause) for the attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) by Lord Mahavira is attributed to Chandanbala.

The story goes that during his period of intense asceticism and fasting, Lord Mahavira was searching for suitable alms (ahara) to break his long vow of fasting. Chandanbala, who was herself in difficult circumstances, offered him pure food with utmost devotion and reverence, meeting the specific conditions Mahavira had set (unknowingly) for accepting alms. This act fulfilled the necessary "nimitt" for Mahavira's Kevala Jnana. Soon after accepting alms from Chandanbala, Lord Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana under the Sal tree.

Thus, Chandanbala is regarded as the nimitt (instrumental cause) for the Kevala Jnana of Lord Mahavira in Jain tradition.